Efficient transportation is crucial on the road to lower CO₂ emissions. Based on the results of our transport network analysis, we were able to derive further optimizations for our supply chain.

These include multi-modal transportation, in which we now always use a combination of rail and road transport for fasteners from Turkey. Over 85% of the distance previously travelled on highways has been replaced by rail transport. This reduces both the CO₂ footprint and transportation costs.

Furthermore, the sixth supplier is now connected to our consolidated warehouse in Duisburg, Germany, meaning that we have consistently increased the number of pallets handled in the integrated European transshipment terminal. In addition to full loads inbound (supplier to hub), we are also achieving full loads outbound (hub to our plants). By reducing part-load traffic, we not only speed up transportation, but also consistently reduce transportation costs and CO₂emissions. Road cannot always be replaced by rail. In this case, we increasingly use BEV trucks instead of combustion engines or use more trailers. The use of alternative fuels can also be an alternative. We are also continuing to work consistently on optimizing packaging [containers/filling quantities] and maximizing transport weight/volume utilization in order to continuously optimize costs per freight carrier and CO₂emissions per item or lane [truck/sea container/rail].